As some of you already know, I follow Jeff Galloway's system of running. Basically, it consists of running and walking, plenty of rest, taking it easy, good nutrition, and gradually increasing mileage on long runs (every other weekend).
On Sunday, I had my short, long run (10.6 miles). I got to thinking that I'd test out what Galloway says about knee pain with regards to including a walking integral. My little experiment consisted of running continuously for 1 hour 56 minutes (no walk breaks). I was testing out my knee caps to see what they could do. Maybe, just maybe, I could be an exception to the rule. I mean, come on, what could this Galloway know about running, right?
Here's the outcome:
- Only came in 1 minute faster than the previous short, long run (which included walking) at the same distance.
- My overall feeling when done was crappy.
- My knees were and are still a bit achy.
Overall assessment:
- Galloway knows what he's talking about.
- Had I been running a marathon, I would have hit the "wall" very soon and my knees would have revolted.
- Putting walks in there will actually increase my speed for the whole/overall marathon.
I like experimenting and seeing if there's different approaches. I'm looking forward to my next experiment. Any ideas?
Jason
10 comments:
...it IS counter-intuitive to take walk breaks but they really do work...
...enjoy those "long" runs and go hard (i.e. faster between walk breaks) during the week. your long run speed will increase dramatically without you realizing it...which is cool...but then again, you knew that:)
Walk breaks have done wonders for me. I love them dearly. :)
interesting. i never had any doubt as to whether or not walking would help me finish a long distance.
you could always try not hydrating at all & seeing if that affects your running times... :)
I need to add that my kneck is out of wack as well. Maybe next time, I'll not: lube-up, hydrate, or wear sunscreen- and run backwards. I wonder what kind of results I'll get from that. :>)
try sprinting for the whole 10.6 miles...
...get rid of those fancy shoes and put the old Marine boots back on...
And don't forget the pink water bottle.
And the 100lb military issue (pink) backpack with enough supplies to last you several weeks in the desert.
you should get a blue water bottle. you like blue.
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